India A Reach 106/2 Against New Zealand A on Day 2 After Top-Order Struggles

Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan shared an unbeaten 96-run partnership to help India A reach 106/2 in their second innings at stumps on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Saturday. India A trail New Zealand A by 98 runs with eight wickets remaining.

Match Summary and Day 2 Stumps Position

• Competition: First unofficial Test (India A tour of New Zealand A)
• Venue: Lincoln
• Day 2 Stumps Score: India A 106/2 (Second innings)
• First Innings Scores: India A 113 all out; New Zealand A 317 all out in 89.3 overs
• Current Deficit: India A trail by 98 runs with 8 wickets in hand

Recovery Led by Padikkal and Sudharsan

After New Zealand A secured a 204-run first-innings lead, India A suffered an early collapse in their second innings, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) and KL Rahul (4) with just 10 runs on the board. Jaiswal was dismissed by Simon Keene, while Rahul was bowled by Fraser Sheat.

Stepping in at 10/2, Padikkal and Sudharsan steadied the innings through a resilient, unbroken 96-run stand:

• Devdutt Padikkal: Batting on 56 not out off 89 balls, including nine boundaries.
• Sai Sudharsan: Batting on 39 not out off 104 balls, providing vital support through a patient knock.

The pair navigated tough phases, including the final 10 overs of the day, to take the team safely to stumps.

First-Innings Bowlers and Batters

Earlier in the match, New Zealand A posted 317 runs, powered by captain Rhys Mariu (76), Dean Foxcroft (51), and Kristian Clarke (42).

• India A Bowling Figures: Anshul Kamboj (3 wickets), Auqib Nabi (3 wickets), Akash Deep (2 wickets), Washington Sundar (1 wicket), and Mukesh Choudhary (1 wicket).
• India A First Innings: Bowled out for 113.

Outlook for Day 3

Padikkal and Sudharsan are scheduled to resume their partnership on Day 3. However, weather reports indicated that rain was forecast for the third day, which could potentially impact play. Verification of official match updates and schedules can be found through official cricket boards and sports news portals.